Georgia Aquarium Week 1, Thomas Zamora

 

Thomas Zamora:

 

My First Week With The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium's Main Atrium

From when I was young the Georgia Aquarium offered a space for discovery and exploration; it was an impetus for understanding our fragile relationship with our world by observing the role of the attention and care that was required to sustain such a distinct place. 

July 5th marked the beginning of my internship with the Georgia Aquarium, and upon arriving and going through security, I was warmly greeted by my internship manager, Michaela Nix and meet my internship supervisor Molly Johnson. Michaela's and Molly kindness, thoughtfulness, and care made me feel welcomed as part of the education department in my first week.

 A Pacific Sea Nettle Jellyfish

After I meet with my leadership team, Michaela walked me to the group entrance of the aquarium to help manage and carpool new campers for their week of camp! For my first week, I assisted with Camp H2O, a summer camp program that the Georgia Aquarium provides. Camp H2O offers campers the opportunity to explore the wonders of the aquatic world. Every day, we led our campers through interactive encounters, demonstrations, and talks with experts and professionals about their experiences with some of the unique animals we have at the aquarium.

 

The Learning Lab

Our group consisted of older kids, and after we guided them into their groups and quieted them down (they were excited!), we took them upstairs to the learning lab. The learning lab, located within the aquarium's educational loop called "Aquanaut Adventures," served as  a space where they could engage in hands-on activities, learn about marine life, and deepen their understanding of conservation efforts. 

 

Crush, the Box Turtle, walking for Turtle Enrichment                                      A Chocolate-Chip Sea Star in the Learning Lab Aquariums

Throughout my week at Camp H2O, I also became familiar with all the different departments and specialized groups at the aquarium. I learned about the essential role of our volunteers in supporting the aquarium's mission and observed how various teams from Dive Ops to Life Support Systems worked together to ensure not only the well-being of the animals but also were engaged and sustained the success of the educational programs. 

Whale Shark and Goliath Grouper

 

Whale Shark Feeding

Overall, my first week at the Georgia Aquarium was filled with diverse experiences and a deepening of understanding of the institution's educational efforts. Personally, working with Camp H2O helped demonstrate the mission of the institution: the commitment to inspire awareness and improve conservation; through which, I noticed many parallels between The Georgia Aquarium's dedication to conservation through its living collection, and NMAL's as a museum. Ultimately, conservation enables us to bring a story into a full view and the same is true for living collection as well.

Some people might examine the human care of these animals in a negative way, but their care is essential to maintain the story and beauty of the incredible animals we live with, some that one day thanks to the research and conservation of Aquariums might allow the next generation to still witness their magnificence and inspiration. 

With that being said, I'm excited to share all the new  upcoming activities with you all next week!